You’ve heard of smart speakers or smart thermostats – but what about smart lighting? Discover how smart home lighting can enhance your life and go beyond the humble light switch.
From energy efficiency to convenience, smart home lighting continues to rise in popularity. The latest CEDIA data suggests that lighting and shading systems will grow by 47% in 2024, thanks to their versatile functionality.
When you choose a smart speaker installation with a CEDIA member, you always get the best. We regularly update our resources and qualifications to ensure our lighting control specialists always meet the standard.
Find out more about the benefits of user-friendly smart home devices, both indoor and outdoor.
When choosing a smart lighting system, you’re essentially looking for one of two things: smart light bulbs or smart switches. Smart bulbs usually work with a dimmer switch – but not always – and come in white, full-colour, and tuneable. (This means you can adjust the temperature of the lighting, ideal for syncing with sleep cycles.)
Smart switches are on the entire time, but power down in line with the commands you give them. These are ideal for use in hard-to-reach spaces, though they are not dimmable like smart bulbs.
Within these, we also have indoor and outdoor lighting, for example:
Smart downlights (indoors)
These can be installed within ceiling recesses, and offer versatility with multiple colors and dimming.
LED strip lights (indoors and outdoors)
These are usually used for ambience, creating mood lighting effects with lightstrips up to 5m.
Smart PIR (passive infrared sensor) security lights
These work with motion sensors, 2-way audio and CCTV to provide added assurance.
Outdoor light fittings
Like other smart home systems, these are also controlled by voice command or mobile device, using a Wi-Fi connection. These weatherproof fittings are ideal for adding ambience and security.
Smart lighting uses automation to make your life easier. From using timers to wake you up to deterring burglars with living room lights, they’re becoming a staple.
Many smart lights are powered by an LED bulb. These can use up to 90% less energy than their incandescent counterparts.
Even better, if your lights aren’t running 24 hours a day, you can save on energy bills. For example, automatic sensors can tell lights to power up in time with movement, or you can set a schedule.
Accessing your control system is easy – all it takes is a WiFi connection and/or Bluetooth. Many systems offer compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, giving you free rein to make changes with just your words.
You can also access them on devices including your smartphone, tablet or desktop.
You can customize a smart LED light for multiple functions. For example, adjustable color settings are ideal for creating different moods, from cool white for home working to RGB party hues for working out.
Other functions include helping you wake up in the morning or wind down at night. Our ‘circadian rhythms’, or sleep cycles, are influenced by light – so you can set them to your tune.
Anything from outdoor wall lights to indoor scheduling can help to deter intruders. A smart PIR-enabled camera and floodlights will activate upon movement, and can even send notifications to homeowners.
Alternatively, you can also consider scheduling lights to turn on while you’re away to make the property appear occupied.
Many smart lighting options use an IFTTT system, which stands for “if this, then that”. This essentially means that more than one smart home product can activate based on the activities of another. For example, a smart motion sensor could trigger lighting.
Voice control integration with tools like the Apple Homekit or Google Assistant is ideal for those with limited mobility. Whether it’s avoiding a tricky wall switch or simply saving time, voice control takes the stress away.
From a simple table lamp to outdoor security lights, smart lighting offers:
The cost of installing smart home lighting depends on what you want installed. As standalone products, smart bulbs can range from $9 to $64 each, though the energy savings they offer are more than worth it.
Other installations such as dimmer switches can cost between $25 and $77 each, while there are also electrician costs.
If you want a full integration including indoor and outdoor lights, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,856 to $12,855. You will naturally have to pay more to have an agnostic system that connects with any bulb and device. For example, the Philips Hue bridge can support Zigbee Light Links. Our CEDIA-qualified technicians will advise you on the best products.